Dartmouth Researchers Develop AI-Powered Psychotherapy App
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a reliable AI-driven app to deliver psychotherapy, addressing a critical need for mental health care. The application, called Therabot, aims to fill the gap caused by the shortage of mental health professionals. According to Nick Jacobson, an assistant professor of data science and psychiatry at Dartmouth, “We need something different to meet this large need.”
The Dartmouth team recently published a clinical study demonstrating Therabot’s effectiveness in helping people with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. A new trial is planned to compare Therabot’s results with conventional therapies. Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association, noted that AI-generated chatbots “have a lot of promise, particularly if they are done responsibly and ethically.”
The development team has prioritized safety and effectiveness, dedicating nearly six years to creating Therabot. They are considering establishing a nonprofit entity to make digital therapy accessible to those who cannot afford conventional in-person help. This approach stands in contrast to many untested apps that claim to address mental health issues but may be designed more to capture attention and generate revenue.
The US Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged that digital mental health therapies have the potential to improve patient access to behavioral therapies. However, the regulation of online mental health treatment remains limited, with the FDA authorizing marketing after reviewing pre-market submissions rather than certifying medical devices or AI apps.
While AI is currently more suited for day-to-day mental health support than critical breakdowns, its potential is significant. Some users, like Darren, who has traumatic stress disorder, have found AI assistants helpful in managing their condition, despite not being specifically designed for mental health support. As the field evolves, the balance between innovation and responsible development will be crucial in shaping the future of AI-driven mental health care.
